Benalapril

Uses

What is Benalapril® (enalapril) used for?

Benalapril® is commonly used for treating cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 1 month old, congestive heart failure in adults, and a disorder of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). This disorder can decrease the heart’s ability to pump blood to the body.

How should I take Benalapril® (enalapril)?

You may take enalapril with or without food. Do not chew or crush.

Take enalapril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

How do I store Benalapril® (enalapril)?

Benalapril® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Benalapril® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Benalapril® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Benalapril® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Benalapril® (enalapril)?

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you:

Are allergic to any ingredients of this drug.

Have a history of angioedema.

Are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.

Also, there is some important information that you may notice:

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested.

You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using enalapril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Enalapril can cause kidney problems. Call your doctor at once if you have swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating, or if you feel short of breath. You may also need to avoid taking enalapril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

If you have diabetes, do not use enalapril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).

Signs of a kidney problem such as little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; severe stomach pain; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Benalapril® (enalapril)?

Benalapril® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Benalapril® (enalapril)?

Benalapril® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Benalapril® (enalapril)?

Benalapril® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

To make sure enalapril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)

Liver disease

A history of blood clot or stroke (including “mini-stroke”

An electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium in your blood)

Heart disease or congestive heart failure (unless you are taking enalapril for this condition)

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Benalapril® (enalapril).

What is the dose of Benalapril® (enalapril) for an adult?

Hypertension:

The initial dose (oral tablets or solution) is 5 mg orally once a day.

The maintenance dose (oral tablets or solution) is 10 to 40 mg orally per day as a single dose or in 2 divided doses.

The maximum dose is 40 mg orally daily as a single dose or in 2 divided doses.

In combination with diuretics:

The initial dose is 2.5 mg orally once a day.

If feasible, the diuretic should be discontinued 2 to 3 days prior to initiation of therapy with enalapril. If required, diuretic therapy may be gradually resumed.

Parenteral: The recommended dose is 1.25 to 5 mg IV over a 5 minute period every 6 hours.

Congestive heart failure:

The initial dose is 2.5 mg orally once a day.

The maintenance dose is 2.5 to 20 mg daily in 2 divided doses.

The maximum dose is 40 mg orally per day in 2 divided doses.

Left ventricular dysfunction:

The initial dose is 2.5 mg orally twice a day.

The maintenance dose is 20 mg orally per day in 2 divided doses.

What is the dose of Benalapril® (enalapril) for a child?

Hypertension:

Oral tablets or solution (Children 1 month to 17 years):

The initial dose is 0.08 mg/kg/day (up to 5 mg) in 1 to 2 divided doses. Adjust dosage based on patient response.

Doses greater than 0.58 mg/kg (40 mg) have not been evaluated in pediatric patients.

How is Benalapril® (enalapril) available?

Benalapril® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

Tablet

Solution

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Benalapril®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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